Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery

In the bleachers around her, more family and friends recorded the revelry with cameras and iPads.

The arrival of their student on the big stage and the ensuing cheers were moments that were too important to be able to watch only once.

“It was like watching a great part of a family video playing out in real time,” Valora said after she finished taking pictures of her grandson, Cutter Barrett, graduate from Hayden High School.

The west Routt County town graduated 31 seniors Sunday.

They plan to study psychology, mechanical engineering, gunsmithing, pediatric nursing, dental hygiene and environmental science, among many other topics.

Together, the Class of 2013 earned $288,000 in scholarships.

One will start basic training for the U.S. Army in June.

Another will be on the Dodge City Junior College track team.

And before they leave, they'll have plenty of advice to mull over.

“This class as a whole has never really cared about what's waiting on the other side, the end result,” Principal Gina Zabel said. “You have always lived in the moment, been spontaneous and enjoyed every inch of your journey, your climb.”